Rip-off Britain: How designer labels cost up to 60 per cent less in the US than in London

Designer labels can cost up to 60 per cent less in Boston, New York and Chicago compared to London, research has found.

Over two thirds of the products, including designer jeans, perfumes, gadgets and shoes, included in the survey were a third cheaper in the three cities in USA, according to research by the Post Office.

Shoppers could bag a pair of J Brand ladies skinny ‘Maria’ jeans at half the £275 London price tag, at £138.78 in New York or £128.47 in Boston.

Compare: London is on average 60 per cent more expensive than New York, Boston and Chicago according to research by the Post office

Table: The Post Office research reveals prices for items in the US are 60 per cent cheaper than London.

A pair of men’s True Religion ‘Rick’ jeans, usually costing £285 in the UK, can be bought with a 60 per cent discount, as prices average at £112.21 in Boston, £122.12 in New York and £122.83 in Chicago.

The research showed that some of the best discounts were on men’s clothing – with up to 40 per cent off brands like Abercromie & Fitch, Hollister and Polo Ralph Lauren - all US brands.

Andrew Brown, head of Post Office travel money, said: ‘This year’s Post Office Christmas Shopping Guide again shows that there are huge savings to be made by heading to US cities to buy presents.

'Of almost 200 items price-checked, the majority are much cheaper than in London – including designer label clothes and latest tablets.’

‘However, not everything comes with a discount tag so it’s a good idea to check prices in the UK before splashing the cash in the USA. Take particular care when buying British designer brands as they may be more expensive.’

Table: The Post Office research in to men's fashion labels shows where bargains can be picked up in the US

While both New York and Chicago are significantly cheaper for shoppers from London, it is actually Boston that pips both cities to the price post – on average items are four to six per cent cheaper in the home town of the Red Sox.

But it’s not just fashion where shoppers can save money, items such as toys, electrical goods, beauty products and footwear are also cheaper.

Boston skyline: Boston is the cheapest place to pick up gifts for Christmas according to research by Post Office

For example, leading tablet brands, like the Kindle Fire, Apple iPad, Microsoft Surfact, Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus, are up to 15 per cent cheaper in all three US cities, compared to London.

Shoppers can save 17 per cent off the price of an Apple iPad mini, £269 in London, against £222.79 in Boston, £228.30 in New York or £229.61 in Chicago.

A Samsung Galaxy Note tablet costs up to 15 per cent less in the US. The average price is £399.99 in London, whereas it costs £346.95 in New York, £338.58 in Boston and £348.94 in Chicago.

While US make-up brand Benefit can cost up to 22 per cent less than in London and Elizabeth Arden ‘Eight Hour’ cream is nearly 50 per cent cheaper in the US. It costs £25 in London and only £13.53 in New York.

Worst buys: Burberry 'Beat Check' wallet is actually 16 per cent more expensive in the US compared to the UK.

However, bargain hunters should beware because out of 26 fragrances, twelve actually cost the same in London or more. With Calvin Klein’s Euphoria for men costing £30.40 in London but £39.08 in Chicago – a price difference of 29 per cent.

And Clarin ‘One-Step’ cleanser costs £19 in London but up to 29 per cent more, at £24.43, in the US.

Hit the high-street: The majority of items in the Post Office poll were cheaper in the US

But beware, spend big and you should pay tax

At present UK shoppers can bring back £390 worth of goods without paying taxes under duty free tax limits.

If you bring in any single item worth more than your allowance, you must pay duty and tax on the full item value, not just the value above the allowance.

In all instances Customs Duty is waived if the amount of the duty payable is less than £9.

For other goods brought into the UK by travellers, duty only applies on goods above £270 or £390 (whichever is appropriate) in value.

Over this allowance and up to £630 there is a duty flat rate of 2.5 per cent. For any item over £630 the rate depends on the type of goods.